1984 Honda HP-X concept restored for Pebble Beach event

Automakers have been creating concept cars since the 1940s. These design studies usually preview future models or technologies and are attractions at motorshows. Virtually every automaker – even our own Perodua and Proton – have come out with their own concept cars at one time or another.

It is surprising though that Honda had not built any concept car before 1984. Other Japanese automakers had been showing futuristic concepts at the Tokyo Motorshow since the 1960s but Honda seemed not to find a need.

When it did decide to do so, it turned to Pininfarina, the Italian design studio, to come out with its very first concept car. Pininfarina proposed a radical wedge-shaped car which was called the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) Concept.

The HP-X employed advanced aerodynamics including ‘ground effects’ and innovative cooling solutions. It was powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine which was based on a Honda F2 racing engine.

There were no doors; instead, the futuristic concept featured a jet-fighter style removable single-piece Perspex canopy. The rear of the canopy extended into a fairing with 2 main functions – improving the car’s streamline appearance and serving as a driver-controlled air brake.

Additionally, the HP-X explored the cutting-edge use of alternative materials including honeycomb panels, carbonfibre and kevlar to reduce weight and improve performance.

The interior explored new levels of comfort, ergonomics and function, thanks to extensive styling research. A Honda developed Electronic Drive Support System previewed advanced features including real-time telemetry, GPS and even road condition warnings via ‘special sonar’ – which is commonplace in many of today’s cars.

Designed with a focus on advancing technology, the HP-X Concept served as a testbed for ambitious new ideas, technologies and engineering principles that would eventually be seen in later Honda and Acura models.

Though this concept car preceded the development of the first NSX, the ideas and innovations which it explored and proposed were embodied in Honda’s first supercar.

“The Honda HP-X Concept was the star of the 1984 Turin Auto Show, showcasing elements of engineering excellence and cutting-edge design, with extreme wedge-shape styling that continues to inspire future generations of car designers and engineers,” said Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Pebble Beach Concours judge.

“The forward-thinking HP-X had an undeniable impact on the industry, highlighting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design,” he added.

Following an extensive restoration project carried out at the Pininfarina workshop in Italy, the HP-X Concept will be displayed in the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes Class at the 73rd Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next month.

It will be the first time that the concept car has been displayed in America, as well as the first time a vehicle from a Japanese manufacturer is on display at the annual event in California.

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